The latest Bank of Ireland Spending Pulse, which looks at debit and credit card spending, reveals that outlay rose significantly in sports clubs, beauty spas and cinemas in the two weeks from August 5 to 18.
Bank of Ireland said that cinema spending rose by 10% when compared to a similar two-week period in 2023, while spending in sports clubs - GAA, soccer and tennis - increased by 50%.
Spending on boat rentals rose by 23%, campsites and trailer parks by 14% and amusement parks up 9% during the same period as consumers made the most of the children being off school.
Meanwhile, spending in beauty spas went up by 25%, while the rush to get school uniforms saw spending in family clothing stores rise by 11%.
Bank of Ireland said that total spending overall rose by 3% year on year, with social spending going up by 4% and overall retail spending rising by 3%.
The bank also noted that fast-food outlay went up 6% as children tucked into burgers and chips before returning to school packed lunches, and bakery spending jumped by 20% as sweet treats were devoured before regular routines restarted.
Jilly Clarkin, Head of Customer Journeys & SME Markets at Bank of Ireland, said that after a spell of Irish weather that could only be described as average at best, it is not surprising to see spending in sports clubs and cinemas spike during August, and the general uptick in consumer outlay provided a welcome boost for businesses across Ireland.
